Vadim Epanchintsev Hockey player, forward Date of Birth: 16.03.1976 Country: Russia

1. Childhood and Early Career
2. Breakthrough with Spartak Moscow
3. NHL Draft and North American Stint
4. Return to Russia and Success with Metallurg Novokuznetsk
5. Silver and Bronze Medals with Severstal Cherepovets
6. Success with Ak Bars Kazan
7. Captaincy and Dominance with CSKA Moscow
8. International Career
9. Coaching Career
10. Success as Head Coach of Saryarka and Spartak Moscow
11. Current Role at HC Yugra

Childhood and Early Career

Vadim Epanchintsev, born in Orsk, Russia, began his hockey journey at a tender age. In 1992, he joined his hometown club, Yuzhny Ural, in the Vysshaya Liga, the second tier of Russian hockey.

Breakthrough with Spartak Moscow

In 1993, Epanchintsev signed for Spartak Moscow, a powerhouse in the Russian Superleague. Over four seasons with Spartak, he tallied a respectable 76 points (40 goals and 36 assists) in 185 games.

NHL Draft and North American Stint

Epanchintsev's performances caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who selected him in the third round (55th overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Eager to make his mark in North America, he joined the organization in 1997 but spent most of his time in the minor leagues, failing to break into the NHL.

Return to Russia and Success with Metallurg Novokuznetsk

In 1998, Epanchintsev returned to Russia and signed for Metallurg Novokuznetsk, where he found his stride. He recorded 60 points (25 goals and 35 assists) in 87 games over two seasons, helping the team secure a bronze medal in the Russian championship.

Silver and Bronze Medals with Severstal Cherepovets

Prior to the 2000-01 season, Epanchintsev joined Severstal Cherepovets, where he enjoyed another successful stint. He won silver and bronze medals with the team and totaled 115 points (41 goals and 74 assists) in 165 games.

Success with Ak Bars Kazan

In 2003, Epanchintsev moved to Ak Bars Kazan and established himself as a key contributor. He helped the team win three bronze medals in the Russian championship and amassed 71 points (21 goals and 50 assists) in 106 games.

Captaincy and Dominance with CSKA Moscow

Epanchintsev became captain of CSKA Moscow in 2006. He led by example, recording 128 points (37 goals and 91 assists) in 175 games.

Return to Spartak Moscow and Final Season with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk

Epanchintsev signed for Dynamo Moscow in 2009 but returned to Khimik Mytishchi in January in a trade that included a first-round pick in the 2010 draft. He ended his playing career in 2011 after joining Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk but only playing two games before returning to Atlant.

International Career

Epanchintsev represented Russia at the junior level, winning silver medals at the 1994 European Junior Championship and the 1995 World Junior Championship. At the senior level, he participated in the 1997 World Championship, where Russia finished fourth.

Coaching Career

In 2011, Epanchintsev retired as a player and joined his former club, Spartak Moscow, as an assistant coach, specializing in forwards. He later served as interim head coach of Atlant in the MHL before becoming an assistant coach with Spartak in the same league. In 2014-15, he took over as head coach of Spartak in the MHL.

Success as Head Coach of Saryarka and Spartak Moscow

After a stint as an assistant coach with Saryarka in the VHL, Epanchintsev returned to Spartak Moscow as head coach in 2017. Under his guidance, the team earned a playoff berth for the first time in seven years.

Current Role at HC Yugra

In 2019, Epanchintsev became head coach of HC Yugra in the VHL. He led the team to victory in both the Silk Way Cup and the Petrov Cup in the 2020-21 season.